An Examination of the Moderating Effect of Proactive Coping in NICU Nurses

Abstract

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses experience increased risk for depression, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. This study examined whether the use of problem-solving or support-seeking strategies moderated the relationship between secondary traumatic stress levels, depressive symptomology, and burnout in NICU nurses. Multiple linear regression and a hierarchical stepwise technique were used to conduct moderation analyses. Results indicated that support-seeking coping skills significantly moderated the relationship between secondary traumatic stress symptoms and burnout symptoms. Coping did not moderate the relationship between depression and burnout. These findings can be used to inform the development of programs that could promote the well-being and coping of nurses experiencing mental health difficulties or burnout and foster a healthy work environment for all NICU nurses so that they can provide the best possible intervention to vulnerable infants. Future research should aim to identify interventions that promote coping in NICU nurses.

Parental and staff experiences of restricted parental presence on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during COVID‐19

“…15 Furthermore, NICU staff are frequently challenged with ethical dilemmas and traumatic experiences and are therefore at risk of developing symptoms of traumatic stress and burnout. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 It is therefore reasonable to suggest that the offer of regular debriefs for staff could enable them to process their experiences of restricted parental presence.…”

“…Evidence suggests that levels of distress which parents experience in the NICU can lead to staff experiencing some challenging behaviours from parents 15 . Furthermore, NICU staff are frequently challenged with ethical dilemmas and traumatic experiences and are therefore at risk of developing symptoms of traumatic stress and burnout 16–19 . It is therefore reasonable to suggest that the offer of regular debriefs for staff could enable them to process their experiences of restricted parental presence.…”

“…They are frequently challenged with ethical dilemmas and exposed to traumatic experiences, and staff are therefore at risk of traumatic stress and developing burnout. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19…”

“…Further, NICU staff are often faced with having to care for some of the most sick babies in the ODN. They are frequently challenged with ethical dilemmas and exposed to traumatic experiences, and staff are therefore at risk of traumatic stress and developing burnout 16–19 …”

“…They are frequently challenged with ethical dilemmas and exposed to traumatic experiences, and staff are therefore at risk of traumatic stress and developing burnout. [16][17][18][19] The restricted parental presence put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can not only be expected to affect the wellbeing of parents and babies in NICU, it is also likely to have a significant impact on staff. Staff on the NICU might feel powerless to support parents as they do not see them as often and do not have the chance to build a relationship.…”